Regional+Research

This page lists research opportunities in our region, most with potential for fieldwork and interviews. Many of the organizations are also potential internship hosts. Here is a list of places to visit and events to attend in the Troy region to jump start thinking about possible research projects.

What federal and NYState policies support the conservation goals of the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and what new policies are called for? (Department contacts: Lawrence Howard, Kim Fortun)
 * Research questions**

What land use controversies have emerged in the Troy region (or on the Rensselaer Plateau) over the last decade, and how have they played out? (Department contact: Lawrence Howard)

What organizations in the Troy region haven or could have a environmental conservation agenda, potentially contributing to a growing conservation movement and culture in the region? (Department contact: Kim Fortun)

New York State recently (October 2015) passed legislation that makes community solar (solar farms) viable, and there have already been notable developments. The first community solar farm broke ground in Half Moon this month (August). What is behind this development, and how is it playing out? Who are the stakeholders, and what are their interests and positions? (Department contact: Lawrence Howard).

Troy has recently (August 2016) launched a new initiative to address poverty. What is behind this development, who are the actors, what are the goals, and what are likely barriers? (Department contact: Kim Fortun)

Troy has recently launched a initiative to better coordinate organizational actors in the city. What is behind this development, who are the actors, what are the goals, and what are likely barriers? (Department contact: Kim Fortun)

What efforts are being made by local K-12 schools to advance environmental education and the sustainability of their campuses? What do they need to do to achieve US Department of Education status as a [|Green Ribbon School]? (Department contact: Kim Fortun)

What research and educational outreach would benefit communities in the region impacted by PFOA water pollution? (Department contacts: Kim Fortun, Laura Rabinow)

=NOTES= Omega Institute has been partnering with Scenic Hudson on various issues. It started with a NIMBY-style shared interest in stopping the new power lines that were slated to cut right through the Omega campus. Great videos here on bomb trains, PCBs, etc.: @http://www.hudsonriveratrisk.com/ 